Bill Lester throws out the first pitch for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. (Team PR Photo)

Following his second career NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start at the Michigan International Speedway last weekend, Bill Lester headed to Tampa Bay, Florida to throw out the first pitch in Wednesday night's Devil Rays game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Lester was thrilled at the opportunity to participate in the opening ceremonies for the game.

"I was really honored that the Devil Rays asked me to come to the ballpark and participate by throwing out the first pitch," said Lester. "You know, there is a lot of pressure standing on that mound looking at that tiny plate and wondering if I was going to stick the ball in the dirt. I thought us racing drivers had to focus on a specific zone when we approach a corner at a place like Daytona or Charlotte, but I can appreciate that a major league pitcher has to have some pretty good eyesight and concentration too. Of course, these guys don't have to contend with forty or so other guys tearing around at 200mph inches from their throwing arm!"

Lester competed in his second career NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway last Sunday where the rain-shortened event saw him post a lead-lap finish in 32nd place. This weekend Lester will be back behind the wheel of his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry for Bill Davis Racing as the series heads to the Milwaukee Mile for the Toyota Tundra 200. Lester's next NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event is scheduled for Sunday, September 2 at the California Speedway in Fontana.